HALP! Newb alert! EFJ won't talk to Moto

[Streak]

I've been all over the internet looking for an answer tooth's question but I've come up empty.

Here's my problem:  I have (3) EFJ 5100 and Motorola cp200d.  The Motorola is one of 4 we use for pit to car communications.

All the motorolas talk to each other on frequency 466.xxx.  All the EFJ's talk to each other on frequency 466.xxx.  All are set up as digital channels

But the EFJ and the Motorola won't talk to each other.  There are no privacy codes programmed into the Motorola.  I'm pretty sure I haven't programmed any into the EFJ.

When I press the PTT on the EFJ the motorola blinks green.  Nothing happens the other way around but a bit of static.  They are trying to talk to each other.

What am I doing wrong?

Thank you in advance for any help

 

[JohnE]

they have to be on the same freq and have the same "color code" or what ever EFJ calls it.

I don't think time slot should matter in direct mode.

I am not familiar w/EFJ radios , you might be comparing apples to oranges.

if all else fails, go Ano w/PL and you will be good to go.

[Streak]

I wish I could go analog but the application for the motorola is in several cars and they are all digital.

I'll look into the color code thing.  Never heard of that.

[Jones]

I don't think it will work, since the EFJ radios are P-25 digital, and the Motos are MOTOTURBO, which is based on the European DMR standard.

 

I do not think P-25 and DMR are compatible formats.

 

...but anyway, what does this have to do with GMRS???

[JohnE]

the 200d can do both ano and digital unless they are older versions that will need a firmware upgrade.

[JohnE]

I don't think it will work, since the EFJ radios are P-25 digital, and the Motos are MOTOTURBO, which is based on the European DMR standard.

 

I do not think P-25 and DMR are compatible formats.

 

...but anyway, what does this have to do with GMRS???

the apple oranges thing

[Streak]

I don't think it will work, since the EFJ radios are P-25 digital, and the Motos are MOTOTURBO, which is based on the European DMR standard.

 

I do not think P-25 and DMR are compatible formats.

 

...but anyway, what does this have to do with GMRS???

The EFJ's are programmed for GMRS.  I was trying to use one radio for two purposes.

[Jones]

The EFJ's are programmed for GMRS.  I was trying to use one radio for two purposes.

Ah, I see.  Yes, I use part 90 radios with some GMRS frequencies programmed into them also, but mine are all analog.

 

Although there are different bandwidths, analog is analog. It is fairly cross-compatible between radio brands.  Digital, on the other hand, has several different types which are not cross compatible at all. 

 

The main types for commercial use are the worldwide DMR standard, and the American P-25 standard.  There are also other proprietary types of digital "Non-standards" out there, such as Yaesu/Standard's C4FM Digital. 

 

In the amateur radio world, it is just as bad. We have DMR, the proprietary "D-Star" system from Icom, and a modified version of C4FM from Yaesu called "System Fusion". None of these digital format radios can talk to each other unless you switch them all back to analog.

 

In the GMRS world, we are limited by law to analog only.

[Streak]

Roger that thank you.  I guess I'll be looking for a DMR radio.  I'm married to the Motorola as they are part of a race team with 4 cars. Rookie mistake on my part.

I'll find something to do with the EFJ's. 

[Jones]

Roger that thank you.  I guess I'll be looking for a DMR radio.  I'm married to the Motorola as they are part of a race team with 4 cars. Rookie mistake on my part.

 

I'll find something to do with the EFJ's. 

Well, there are a LOT of brands of DMR radios out there that ARE MOTOTRBO compatible, (so i have heard - I personally own none) just be sure to ask a lot of questions before you drop your dollars.  I guess this was a good "first stop" for that question process.

[n4gix]

Some of the compatible HT DMR radios:

• MD380 (U or V)
• Radioddity GD-77 (UV)
• *Anytone ATD868UV
• *Anytone ATD878UV
• TYT MD2017
• Ailunce HD-1

*Nota bene: These are my personal favorites since they are very high quality and the FPP (front panel programming) is relatively simple and easy to use in case you have a new TG or repeater you want to add when out in the field.

 

AnyTone AT-D868UV w/GPS & Programming Cable. $178.99 (free shipping)

 

https://www.bridgecomsystems.com/products/anytone-at-d868uv-dual-band-dmr-handheld-radio?variant=5191261159456&currency=USD&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8aGr_qih5AIVh7zACh20yAJREAQYBCABEgKqh_D_BwE

[Ian]

I'd also add the Radioddity GD-77s; it's a display-free version of the GD-77, and was in fact the first DMR radio without display or keypad, if I remember correctly.  It has quickly become my favorite handheld, especially for handing to other people.  When programmed for MURS, there's really not a lot of trouble they can get into -- channels 1-5 are carrier squelched, 6-10 are 67 Hz, and 11-15 are 141.3, with 16 scanning weather.  (Obviously, TX locked!)

 

In addition, it's not intimidating.  You just tell them a channel number, they turn the dial...

 

Basically the same UI that made me pine for 1990s Motorola.